The proportions of the Fortune

The building contract for the Fortune gives useful
information about the size of the theater and the
accommodation for the audience.

The building was to be three stories in height, with four
"gentlemen's rooms," "sufficient and convenient divisions for
twopennie roomes," and seating in all the galleries.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the actual stage and
tire-house, the contract is singularly unhelpful. It says:

And the saide Stadge to be in all proporcions contryved and
fashioned like unto the Stadge of the saide Plaie howse
called the Globe.

But the contract contains no direct information about the Globe.

The fate of the Fortune

The Fortune was built by Philip Henslowe in 1600,
a year after the first Globe. It was unusual in its square
design, perhaps harking back to the original
inn-yards.

In 1621 it followed the fate of the first Globe, for it was
destroyed by fire. A contemporary account records that "it
was quite burnt downe in two howres, and all [the players']
apparell & play-books lost." It was rebuilt as a round
building, and finally dismantled in 1649 after the
closing of
the theaters.